Why McLean: How We Transform Lives

Abilities Model®

We believe schools should teach the way kids learn. Our Abilities Model® focuses on a child’s strengths and builds intellectual curiosity, mastery, resilience, and self-esteem, rather than defining them by what they can’t do. It’s a better way of doing education that serves all students well, and especially bright students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.

Classroom Support

At McLean we don’t define students by their challenges – but we absolutely know how to support them. Our Abilities Model® and ever-evolving inventory of instructional practices serve all students, not just those with dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Our expertly trained and dedicated teachers teach the way students learn in smaller classes, embedding support in the classroom, rather than pulling them out. The content of what we teach isn’t simplified here… but the process of how we teach it is. And that’s what enables our bright students to really shine.

Full-Scope Program

The extraordinary time and attention we dedicate to our academic program—including AP, honors, and dual-enrollment college classes—doesn’t come at the expense of the full range of experiences you’d expect from a top college preparatory school. From the playing field to the art studio, the stage to service learning, our students are deeply engaged in every aspect of school life.  At McLean, every student has a place—both in and beyond the classroom.

Mindfulness & Wellness

We believe there’s more to a great education than rich academics alone, which is why we’ve made wellness and well-roundedness a priority. At McLean, we’ve long appreciated that the stressors students experience in school can be distracting, if not downright debilitating, so it is our mission to integrate initiatives that support the mind, body, and what it means to be a good human. Mindfulness practices give our students the strategies and skills to be more present and available for learning. As educators, we are committed to building a space where students have the expectations, language, and skills to navigate issues related to sense of self, friendship, stress management, and their overall place in our community and greater world. 

College & Beyond

McLean graduates find extraordinary success in college, supported by a personalized program that helps each student discover and thrive in the right environment.

• Nearly 100% of our seniors are admitted to their top three choices for college.
• Recent acceptances include American University, Boston College, Berklee College of Music, Case Western Reserve, Emory University, High Point University, University of Maryland, Wake Forest, and Yale among others.
• College Counseling and College Transition & Success Programs reflect each student’s strengths, passions, and learning profile.
• Ongoing support extends through the first year of college to ensure confidence, connection, and continued success.